3D rendering of clavicle and subclavian vessels highlighting safe surgical zones.

Clavicle Fracture Surgery: New Insights on Subclavian Vessel Safety

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A detailed anatomical study redefines the relationship between the clavicle and subclavian vessels, offering surgeons critical data for safer fracture treatments."

Clavicle fractures are a common injury, affecting both adults and children. While rare, damage to the subclavian vessels during treatment is a serious concern. Traditionally, surgeons have relied on established anatomical knowledge to guide their procedures, but recent research is providing more detailed insights into the precise relationships between the clavicle and these critical vessels.

A new study published in Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy aims to refine our understanding of subclavian vessel morphology and its relevance to clavicle fracture treatments. By using three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomographic angiographies (CTA), researchers have identified key landmarks and measurements that could help surgeons minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury.

This article will explore the findings of this study, focusing on the specific measurements, gender-based differences, and the implications for surgical approaches to clavicle fractures. Understanding these anatomical nuances is crucial for improving patient safety and outcomes.

Key Anatomical Findings: What Surgeons Need to Know

3D rendering of clavicle and subclavian vessels highlighting safe surgical zones.

The study, led by Alper Vatansever and colleagues, meticulously analyzed CTA images from 127 patients (66 females and 61 males). The researchers focused on the point where the subclavian artery crosses posterior to the clavicle, using this as a key landmark for all measurements.

Several critical measurements were taken, including:

Medio-lateral distance between the sternal end of the clavicle and the landmark.
Antero-posterior distance between the clavicle and the subclavian artery.
Diameter of both the subclavian artery and vein.
Angle between the subclavian artery and vein.
Distance from the subclavian vein to both the subclavian artery and the clavicle at the landmark.

These measurements were then compared across genders, between the right and left sides, and analyzed for age-related correlations. The results revealed significant morphometric differences, highlighting the importance of considering individual anatomical variations during surgical planning.

Implications for Safer Surgical Techniques

One of the key findings was that the subclavian artery consistently travels longer distances in men compared to women to reach the point where it crosses the clavicle. The study also determined the antero-posterior distance between the subclavian artery and the clavicle to be less than 1 cm (0.91 cm).

Importantly, the research demonstrated that the subclavian artery does not pass from the inferior margin of the clavicle. This suggests that superior plate osteosynthesis, a common surgical technique, does not pose a direct risk of injury to the subclavian vessels.

While superior plating may be a safe option, surgeons should exercise caution with screw lengths to avoid potential damage. Further research is needed to compare anatomical changes in clavicle fractures, and individual patient assessment remains crucial for choosing the most appropriate surgical protocol. By understanding the detailed anatomical relationships revealed in this study, surgeons can significantly reduce the risk of neurovascular complications in clavicle fracture treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00276-018-2132-z, Alternate LINK

Title: Redefining The Morphometry Of Subclavian Vessels For Clavicle Fracture Treatments

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Alper Vatansever, Deniz Demiryürek, Burcu Erçakmak, Hakan Özsoy, Tuncay Hazirolan, Yunus Emre Şentürk

Published: 2018-11-03

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main focus of this research?

The study focused on the relationship between the **clavicle** and the **subclavian vessels**, specifically the **subclavian artery** and **subclavian vein**. The research used three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomographic angiographies (CTA) to analyze this relationship. The goal was to provide surgeons with more precise anatomical data to avoid damaging these vessels during **clavicle fracture** treatments. These vessels are critical for blood supply to the arm and head, and injury can cause serious complications.

Why is this research important for surgical practice?

The research is significant because it refines existing anatomical knowledge used in **clavicle fracture surgery**. It provides detailed measurements of the **subclavian vessels** in relation to the **clavicle**, considering variations between genders. This data helps surgeons make more informed decisions during surgery, potentially reducing the risk of damaging the **subclavian artery** or **subclavian vein**, which are crucial for limb health. The study underscores the importance of personalized surgical approaches that consider individual anatomical differences.

What are the potential impacts of this study on clavicle fracture treatment?

The implications of the study are that it could lead to safer surgical techniques for treating **clavicle fractures**. By understanding the precise distances and angles between the **clavicle** and the **subclavian vessels**, surgeons can better plan their procedures and minimize the risk of neurovascular damage. For instance, the study found that the **subclavian artery** consistently travels longer distances in men compared to women to reach the point where it crosses the **clavicle**. Such insights allows surgeons to adapt their approach based on the patient's gender and individual anatomy, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced complication rates.

What specific measurement from this research is particularly critical for surgeons?

A key finding of the study was the consistent measurement of the distance between the **clavicle** and the **subclavian artery**. The study found the antero-posterior distance between the **clavicle** and the **subclavian artery** to be less than 1 cm (0.91 cm). This close proximity highlights the potential risk of vascular injury during surgery. Knowing this distance is vital because it guides the surgeon to be extra cautious to avoid damaging the vessel while working around the **clavicle** during **clavicle fracture** repair.

What specific anatomical measurements were analyzed in this study?

The study examined several critical measurements. These included the medio-lateral distance between the sternal end of the **clavicle** and the landmark where the **subclavian artery** crosses the **clavicle**, the antero-posterior distance between the **clavicle** and the **subclavian artery**, the diameter of both the **subclavian artery** and **subclavian vein**, the angle between the **subclavian artery** and **subclavian vein**, and the distance from the **subclavian vein** to both the **subclavian artery** and the **clavicle** at the landmark. These measurements were compared across genders and sides, and for age-related correlations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical variations that surgeons must consider.